The players of League of Ireland premier division side Sporting Fingal have been told by the club that their contracts have been terminated.
The 2009 FAI Ford Cup holders, who have only been in existence since 2007, were due to play Lisburn Distillery on Monday in the Setanta Sports Cup but they have now withdrawn from the competition.
Thirteen players are currently under contract with the north Dublin club and future participation in the Airtricity League of Ireland is now seriously in doubt.
A statement from the PFAI expressed its disappointment that contracts, some of which have been signed very recently, are not being honoured.
The organising committee of the Setanta Sports Cup have confirmed that Sporting Fingal have withdrawn from the competition and will be replaced by UCD.
The Students will now face Lisburn Distillery in the First Round First Leg fixture that had initially been scheduled to take place between Sporting Fingal and the Irish League club on Monday, 14 February.
Due to ongoing negotiations with regard to FAI licensing matters, it is Sporting Fingal's intention to make a statement in relation to the club’s position during the coming days.
